News Releases

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 23, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD - The Montgomery County Department of Police is saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of K9 Monte. The release below is written by Monte’s handler and partner, Corporal Phil Brower.

Monte was an 8 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepard mix. He came to The police department in May of 2018 from Slovakia. He was then paired with Cpl Phil Brower as his handler. He was named Monte, in honor of Cpl Brower’s late grandfather.

Together, Monte and Cpl Brower became certified in patrol work and controlled dangerous substances (CDS) detection and were responsible for numerous apprehensions over the next six years. One notable case involved Monte tracking down an armed homicide suspect in the woods. Monte’s actions that day not only stopped the escape of the suspect but prevented him from reaching a loaded handgun that likely would’ve been used on officers.

Monte loved police work. It was his favorite thing, and he came to work each day full of excitement and enthusiasm. His work over the last six years helped make the job a little safer for the patrol officers he came to assist and helped keep the community a little safer for the citizens.

On days off, Monte lived a slightly different and unique lifestyle from many other police dogs. Each morning was started with a long walk through the woods where Monte and Cpl Brower came up with the idea for the “Iron Dog,” a three-mile, wooded obstacle course designed for K9 and handler. The event evolved into a charity event for Spike’s K9 fund who generously donated ballistic vests for all of MCPD’s K9s at the beginning of Monte’s career. The event brought in K9 teams from across the country to compete. It should also be noted that when Spike’s K9 fund heard of Monte’s hospitalization, they offered to cover any medical expenses if needed.

Monte loved riding around the farm in the UTV, riding shotgun of course. Boat rides in the summer, and fishing for catfish on the Upper Potomac River. He loved trying to snuggle the family cat and backyard chickens. Monte and Cpl Brower developed a bond that was inseparable.

On Dec 18, 2024, Monte reported for work with his usual level of enthusiasm. He cleared a large commercial building for RCPD officers early on and then finished the shift with some ball tosses. A couple hours later, Cpl Brower noticed Monte was suddenly not his normal self. He was rushed to the emergency vet where they discovered he was bleeding internally. Further testing revealed that Monte had numerous tumors on his liver and one had ruptured. Due to the number of tumors, the vet advised surgery was not an option and that he was on borrowed time.

Monte was stabilized and given pain meds to make him comfortable in his final moments. A short while later he peacefully passed away while in the arms of Cpl Brower, his wife, PO3 Julee Brower, and their daughter Katelyn.

He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

The family would also like to thank Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC for their great level of care and compassion during this difficult time.

For anyone wishing to make a difference in a working dog’s life, please consider making a donation in honor of Monte to the Iron Dog campaign.

https://donate.spikesk9fund.org/event/iron-dog-2025/e581195